Neue Eurofighter-Version zugelassen<br />
Following the successful flight tests and the full delivery of the associated documentation, Type Acceptance for Block 8 (Tranche 2) Eurofighter Typhoon weapon systems has been agreed between Eurofighter GmbH and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA). With customer agreement in place, the deliveries to the Air Forces can now proceed.

There are some 60 Block 8 aircraft already in final assembly across the partner companies, the first Block 8 Production Flight Acceptance Tests (PFATs) for some of these already began in summer. The main difference between Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft is the new suite of computers. More processing power (speed and memory capacity) will be the enabler for future capability insertion. All Tranche 2 weapon systems will eventually go through the Phase One Enhancements programme, agreed in March 2007.Meanwhile, the Eurofighter Typhoon multi-/swing-role combat aircraft has surpassed the 50,000 flight hours milestone. By the end of August, the Air Forces of Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and Austria had amassed some 44,500 in-service flying hours which, when coupled with the 5,900 logged by the test fleet, easily surpasses the 50,000 mark. Currently, ten units across five Air Forces operate Eurofighter Typhoon. As of this Summer, all nations have assigned the aircraft Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) and Air Surveillance responsibilities. The Austrian Armed Forces carried out high profile airspace protection sorties with fully-armed Eurofighter Typhoons over the host stadiums during the Euro2008 football championships. 148 aircraft have been delivered to five Air Forces, completing the Tranche 1 order. First deliveries of Tranche 2 aircraft are imminent, while the proposals for the 236 Eurofighter Typhoons that make up Tranche 3 have been submitted to NETMA. The consortium is awaiting the response with all efforts geared towards a contract signature by the end of 2008 or early 2009.